A Flair for Fun and Fashion at Macy’s Glamorama Gala

Fashionistas flocked to Macy’s Passport presents Glamorama, a fashion show that puts the spotlight on charity and the glamorous styles featured at the famous department store.

Lots of well-dressed celebrities were on hand at the Orpheum Theatre, downtown in the heart of L.A.’s fashion district. They were there to support AIDS Project LA and Project Angel Food, as well as to enjoy a beautifully choreographed show on stage at the historic theater.

Top designers in the industry put their best fashions forward as models strutted their stuff wearing collections from Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Tracy Reese, Hugo Boss, INC, Just Cavalli, Marc by Marc Jacobs, lingerie by Felina/ Jezebel, and men’s underwear from 2(x)ist.

There was something for everyone’s style preference. Calvin Klein was classic, of course, with the old preppy look refreshed for a new generation. And the Just Cavalli had an old hippie/flower child influence that was turned into a sensational high fashion look.

Plus there was a wild debut for the Material Girl collection, a youthful clothing line exclusive to Macy’s designed by Madonna and her teenage daughter Lola. Model-dancers wore the trendy urban styles with a dash of edginess and did a dynamic dance segment choreographed by Brian Friedman, choreographer-judge on So You Think You Can Dance?

Another highlight of the show was Grammy-winning singer Macy Gray, who concluded the show with a powerful performance, as all of the models came back on the stage to give us a final look at the cornucopia of fashion. Gray’s new single “Beauty in the World” seemed to be the right theme song for the night. Chart-topping recording star Eric Hutchinson also performed and delighted the crowd.

Earlier in the evening red carpet arrivals had some celebrities who deserved best dressed awards, including Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) who looked like a classic cover of GQ. And Harvey Guillen, one of the stars of Huge, showed that he is a big young guy who knows how to look sharp.

Energetic Dancing with the Stars contestant Kyle Massey (Cory In the House), along with his handsome brother Chris (Zoey 101), were dress youthful-casual with outfits Kyle described as “a cross between Justin Bieber coolness and a sporty Will Smith influence. I’m all about being comfortable and having fun,” Kyle told me. He also vowed to impress everyone with his style on the DWTS dance floor each week.

Brandy, another DWTS hopeful, was on hand wearing a shirt dress with a full skirt that would look great in a waltz number.

The most unique dress was worn by lovely Raina Hein from America’s Next Top Model. She had the special Office Max (a Glamorama sponsor) dress accented by various office supplies. Raina could make anything look good, even with a paper clip belt. So sweet, she showed me how to “work the runway,” in the animal print tunic outfit I made, accented by an Elana Sigal Design beaded necklace. It’s nice to feel stylish for a change.

Other style mavens were Serena Williams in a tight red dress, and Sara Rue showing off her new slim Jenny Craig figure. Mad Men’s leggy actress Alexandra Ella wore a glitzy corset dress, and said her best fashion tip is “a good fit. If it doesn’t hang right, don’t wear it.”

Stunning in a red Erte-style gown, LaToya Jackson introduced the extravaganza, the largest HIV/AIDS benefit fashion show in the country. Glamorama had a new vibe this year, opening with a theatrical fantasy created by designer Chris March, a finalist on Bravo’s Project Runway: Season 4. It created excitement for a night of fun and fashion.

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The Tolucan Times is a free weekly community newspaper, published since 1937 and available online. With over 600 drop locations throughout the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys from Encino to Pasadena, The Tolucan Times serves the communities of Glendale, Flintridge La Canada, Burbank, North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and Van Nuys, to list a few.